What is Sex Therapy?
Sex and intimacy are a meaningful part of many people's lives, and also one of the hardest things to talk about. When something changes or never felt quite right, it is common to stay silent, hoping it will sort itself out. Often it does not, and the distance can grow.
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Sex therapy is talk therapy focused on intimacy, desire, and sexual concerns. Sessions are conversation only. Nothing physical happens in the room, and you set the pace for what you discuss. We work with individuals and couples to understand what is getting in the way and to build a relationship with intimacy that feels more comfortable and connected.
When Intimacy Feels Hard to Talk About
Many people carry questions about sex for years before saying them out loud. Some feel embarrassed. Some worry that something is wrong with them. Others notice that a change in health, a new baby, or a hard season has shifted things, and they are not sure how to find their way back.
People reach out when they feel:
-> Out of sync with a partner about how often or how they want to be intimate
-> Anxious, pressured, or disconnected during sex
-> Unsure how to talk about intimacy without hurt feelings
-> Changed by a new baby, a health issue, or a new stage of life
-> Weighed down by shame or mixed messages about sex
-> Hesitant about intimacy before or early in marriage
How We Help
-> Talk openly about intimacy in a setting that feels safe
-> Understand differences in desire without blame
-> Ease the anxiety and pressure that can surround sex
-> Rebuild closeness after a hard season or a major life change
-> Find language for needs that have been hard to express
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Our goal is a relationship with intimacy that feels more natural, connected, and your own.
A Thoughtful, Judgment-Free Approach
Sex therapy at our practice is provided by Emily Szafara, LCSW, OSW-C, who works with individuals and couples on intimacy, desire, and connection. Emily offers a calm, nonjudgmental space where nothing you bring is too awkward to say. As a Certified Oncology Social Worker, she also has particular experience with how cancer and other health challenges affect intimacy. She integrates psychodynamic insight with evidence-based techniques, respects the faith and values that shape how you think about sex, and can work alongside your medical providers when a concern may have a physical cause.
What We Help With
Differences in Desire
When one partner wants intimacy more or less often than the other, it can turn into a cycle of pressure and withdrawal. We help couples understand each other and find a rhythm that works for both.
Sexual Anxiety & Performance Pressure
Worry about how sex will go can make it harder to be present. We help you ease that pressure and reconnect with what feels good.
Intimacy in Long-Term Relationships
When sex has become routine, infrequent, or an afterthought, we help you understand what changed and find your way back to desire and closeness.
Life Stages and Body Changes
Pregnancy, postpartum, fertility treatment, menopause, aging, illness and health changes can all affect desire and comfort. We help you understand the changes and talk about them together.
Faith, Values, and Intimacy
Religious upbringing and community expectations can shape how you feel about sex, especially early in marriage. We offer culturally sensitive support that respects your values.
Communication and Reconnection
Sometimes the hardest part is starting the conversation. We help you talk about needs, boundaries, and preferences in ways that bring you closer.
How to Get Started:
STEP 1
Reach Out
Contact us by phone, email, or through our contact form to let us know you are interested in sex therapy, and to schedule an initial appointment. You do not need to share details until you are ready.
STEP 2
Free Consultation
We begin with a conversation about what you are looking for and whether you would like to come on your own or with a partner.
STEP 3
Begin Ongoing Therapy
We create a plan for your ongoing therapy, either in person in Great Neck or online in New York.